Rs. 180 Crore Fine Imposed in Bharatpur as State Cracks Down on Illegal Mining.

Action Against Illegal Mining Activities Continues Across the State; Over Rs. 180 Crores Fine Imposed in Bharatpur During More Than a Dozen Actions – 168 Vehicles and Machinery Seized in 339 Actions Against Illegal Mining

Jaipur : The Mines Department of the state continues its crackdown on illegal mining activities across the state. In Bharatpur, along with other locations like Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Bhilwara, surprise inspections were conducted at more than a dozen mining sites in the Pahadi tehsil areas. During these actions, a fine of Rs. 180 crores was imposed on the illegal miners. The Mines Department team found instances of misuse of transport challans, illegal mining of minerals without challans, and illegal mining in gap areas.

It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma has expressed serious concern over illegal mining activities during periodic departmental review meetings, and at the review meeting of the Mines Department held on 2 April, he directed that a zero-tolerance policy be enforced.

Between 2 April and 9 April, the department conducted 339 actions against illegal mining, mineral transport, and mineral storage, seizing 168 vehicles and machinery. During this period, more than 24,950 tons of illegally stored minerals were seized across the state. Additionally, 43 FIRs were lodged in various police stations, and 26 arrests were made. A fine of Rs. 1.97 crore was collected and deposited into the state treasury.

Director of Mines, Shri Deepak Tanwar, reported that the department’s special team conducted inspections at more than a dozen mining sites in the villages of Chapra, Gholet, and Nangal in Bharatpur district’s Pahadi tehsil. Upon finding widespread irregularities, an assessment of illegal mining was made, and a penalty of over Rs. 180 crores was imposed. At these sites, illegal activities such as misuse of transport challans, mining of minerals without challans, and illegal mining in gap areas were found. Based on separate assessments of the illegal mining activities, a total fine of Rs. 180 crores was imposed.